Question
According to a graduate of Darul Ifta Chicago kuffaar wedding anniversaries, wearing ties are permissible. Explaining his view he says: "Regarding tashabbuh, one must keep a couple of precepts in mind: If an action is distinctly identified with another religion, imitating it is impermissible. Even if such practices become widespread, they remain prohibited. For instance, celebrating Valentine's Day and Halloween are not allowed, regardless of their popularity. If an action is a distinguishing trait of non-Muslims or openly sinful individuals, it is also impermissible to adopt. However, if this trait becomes so widespread that it no longer identifies one with a particular group, it becomes permissible. For example, wearing a tie was once disliked in certain countries due to its association with non-Muslims, but since it is now universally worn and not associated with non-Muslims, it is permissible. Regarding the practice of anniversaries, it shall be permissible due to it being of a cultural origin and practice rather than being tied to a religious devotion. Hence, tashabbuh does not apply within wedding anniversaries…" Is his view valid in the Shariah?
Answer
Far from being valid, his view is palpable trash, the figment of nafsaaniyat. He has failed to apply his mind constructively, hence the commission of cognizant miscegenation. The restriction of Tashabbuh (emulation) to only religious practices is bereft of Shar'i substance. It is blatantly baseless. Tashabbuh in all useless and superfluous practices and customs of the kuffaar is haraam.
The emphasis on the prohibition of Tashabbuh of kuffaar practices extends to even extremely important and necessary issues, e.g. weapons. If Muslims have their own brand of weapons capable of countering the kuffaar, then adopting kuffaar weapons is not permissible. This principle is based on the explicit prohibition of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He had prohibited in the thick of battle the use of a more accurate bow because it was a Persian instrument.
The origin of the tie was to symbolize Christ hanging on the cross. Regardless of the tie having become a widespread item of dress, it remains haraam. It is a superfluous item of religious origin and shirk significance, having kufr and shirk beginnings.
Furthermore, everything has a spiritual and moral influence (athr). The tie and kuffaar dress in general come with their evil spiritual effects. Kufr attitudes are engendered.
The abhorrence of Tashabbuh was emphatically highlighted by Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) instructing Muslims to wear topis under the Amaamah (Turban). Despite the topi not being visible and ostensibly not creating a difference for the onlooker, it is Makrooh to wear a turban without a topi under it. This was to differentiate between the turban of the Yahood and Muslims.
The view of the graduate is baseless.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 28 No 01
- PDF page
- 19
Appears under KUFFAAR CUSTOMS & DRESS (approximate).